UPDATE: The San Clemente City Council has just approved a controversial plan for a four-story boutique hotel with a rooftop deck, aiming for completion before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The decision comes amid significant community pushback regarding the hotel’s height and potential noise impacts.
The proposed hotel, known as The Lodge at San Clemente, is set to occupy a vacant 2-acre parcel on Avenida Vista Hermosa. This location is strategically positioned across from the Outlets at San Clemente and near senior housing and a Chick-fil-A. Council members hope the hotel will attract guests during the surfing competition at nearby Lower Trestles.
While the council approved increasing the building height from 45 feet to 62 feet to accommodate the rooftop deck, this decision has not come without controversy. Local residents, led by Marblehead community member Beverly Wiesen, are expressing concerns over the potential for increased noise and light pollution that could disrupt their quiet lives. Wiesen’s group has threatened legal action unless the city implements noise mitigation measures and construction guidelines.
In a recent council meeting, Wiesen emphasized the community’s apprehension, stating, “We really want a good hotel, but we have big concerns that there are ordinances, guidelines, and restrictions in this town that are not enforced.” Residents argue that the council’s approval was made without a new environmental study to address these changes.
City Manager Andy Hall expressed optimism about reaching a compromise between community concerns and the developer’s plans. “If we can enclose three walls and have a disappearing wall, we can contain the sound, especially in the evening hours,” Hall stated during the meeting.
Architect Tim Fleming, who has collaborated with Hall on potential modifications, mentioned that they are considering enclosing part of the rooftop deck to mitigate noise. “We have discussed putting some of the bar inside, and enclosing a portion of the roof deck that would acoustically benefit the community,” he said.
The council’s decision to bypass a review by the Design Review Commission has left some members divided. Councilmember Mark Enmeier advocated for expediting the project, stating, “Design Review might make a recommendation we don’t want to do and delay it more.”
Despite the approval, concerns linger among residents regarding how the hotel will affect their quality of life. Wiesen has pointed out that existing community events, such as the weekly Cars & Coffee and annual Circus Vargas, already create noise challenges.
Fleming reassured the community that the design would consider light pollution, committing to shield light sources to minimize glare on adjacent properties. He also noted that the rooftop deck is intended to be a public space, accessible to all San Clemente residents.
As the deadline approaches for the 2028 Olympics, city officials are eager to see the hotel come to fruition, suggesting that it could become a “Southern California icon” and a significant source of tax revenue for the city. Mayor Steve Knoblock expressed confidence in the project, stating, “They’ll do what the neighbors think is beneficial, but also what improves the project.”
Next steps include a meeting on November 3, 2023, where residents will further discuss their concerns with the hotel’s architect. The outcome of this meeting could influence future modifications and the timeline for the hotel’s construction. The developer is still in the process of securing a hotel operator, making community engagement crucial in the coming weeks.
As this story develops, residents and council members alike are watching closely to see how the balance between community interests and development goals will unfold.
